140th WHO EB - Health Emergencies and WHO Reform: A reality check - Agenda Item 7.1

Two years have passed since the peak of the West Africa Ebola epidemic that revealed the deficiencies and limitations of the global health system in the face of a virulent, lethal disease. While some actions have been taken towards the reform of WHO in emergencies – in particular the creation of the WHO Health Emergencies Program and the strengthening of the International Health Regulations and the establishment of a new blueprint to coordinate research and development for emerging infectious diseases – demonstrable improvements have not yet materialised in practice. There remains an imbalance in the system, with an overreliance on surveillance mechanisms and insufficient emphasis on response capacity. To achieve concrete change, Member States must overcome their lack of political will, dedicate sufficient and sustainable financing for emergency response, and push for change in the internal organisational culture of WHO.

Full list of briefings and statements for 140th WHO Executive Board here.